EGR Valve

Hi,
I've read most all the posts regarding checking the engine light. I took my '97 4 cyl Camry to Autozone as many of you kindly suggest and they said the code is P0401 and that I'd need a new EGR valve. The cost is $165.00 and it'll take about a week to arrive.
My questions are as follows:
1) could the modulator or VSM (mentioned in other posts) also cause the same code and are they cheaper to replace? I would rather start replacing the cheap stuff and work up to the EGR valve.
2) is it possible to "clean" an EGR valve?
3) how hard is it to replace any / all of the above? Are special tools required?
4) how do I reset the check engine light?
5) am I at risk of doing more damage to the car or stalling in traffic util I fix the problem (how serious is it)?

Thanks for your help

Hi,
I've read most all the posts regarding checking the engine light. I took my '97 4 cyl Camry to Autozone as many of you kindly suggest and they said the code is P0401 and that I'd need a new EGR valve. The cost is $165.00 and it'll take about a week to arrive.
My questions are as follows:
1) could the modulator or VSM (mentioned in other posts) also cause the same code and are they cheaper to replace? I would rather start replacing the cheap stuff and work up to the EGR valve.
2) is it possible to "clean" an EGR valve?
3) how hard is it to replace any / all of the above? Are special tools required?
4) how do I reset the check engine light?
5) am I at risk of doing more damage to the car or stalling in traffic util I fix the problem (how serious is it)?

Thanks for your help

My camry was stalling after HWAY driving. I took off the EGR and cleaned the carbon deposits. I never had a problem with the EGR again. That was 120 K Kms ago.

Yes you can clean the EGR, you should be able to stick your finger into the bottom part where the shaft is & move the diaphram..... A hand vacum pump ($40 at Sears) will also move the EGR off & on.... Your EGR is stuck partialy open.... Use a carb cleaner & uase a good high temp lube afterwards... Keep us posted..

Try cleaning EGR valve first, Check the hose going in for clogs. I had this error, it was not the EGR valve it was the VSV valve. Sits in front of the engine. $84 for VSV about half of the EGR valve cost. From what I can gather this error really doesn't effect your performance, so no hurry. Both valves are easy to replace, just follow your repair manual.

After completion, reset your check engine light by pulling your EFI fuse for 30 seconds or you can unhook your battery cable.

Thanks all for your replies . . . . I'll give it a shot this weekend and let you know.

Thanks all for your replies . . . . I'll give it a shot this weekend and let you know.
The shaft of the EGR valve is the one that accumulates carbon deposits and gets the EGR valve stuck. Good luck